The Spanish Government has communicated its inability to endorse restrictions on cruise ship access to the nation's ports, similar to the measures implemented by Palma de Mallorca. This decision is attributed to the lack of requisite legal support. Nevertheless, there is contemplation within Barcelona and Ibiza about emulating Palma's approach.
The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has explicitly stated its incapacity to impose limitations on the entry of tourist cruises into Spanish ports, citing the absence of the necessary legal framework. This response comes in light of inquiries from deputies Sumar Felix Alonso and Vicenc Vidal in the Congress, with a focus on establishing a more stringent regulatory framework for cruise ship activities, particularly in fiscal and environmental aspects, as well as exploring the use of less polluting fuels.
The deputies expressed concern over the escalating cruise arrivals in the Balearic Islands and sought clarification on the government's strategy to mitigate the environmental impacts and health repercussions faced by the communities residing near the ports.
In response, the executive, as reported by El Periodico, acknowledged that international maritime traffic emissions were not factored into the considerations. However, the government emphasized that, based on Eurostat data, cruise ships constituted only "4.6% of the total number of passenger ships" in Spain in 2021.
Moreover, the government underscored the necessity for prior agreements with major cruise companies, service providers, and entities affiliated with the International Association of Cruise Companies to address these concerns effectively.